Gear Watch: Carvin BX1200

Carvin has delivered yet again with the BX1200 bass amplifier. The BX1200 pumps out 1200 watts at 4 ohms and remains free of distortion with it’s class A preamps. The BX1200 also has extensive equalization features, giving you total control over the shape and feel of your tone. The BX1200 also includes a bi-amp crossover system for feeding the dual power amps. If your gig requires bi-amping power it only takes a single push of a button.

From Carvin’s site: “The EQ starts up front with the contour control going from a flat mid response to a heavy scooped mid response for slap bass players. The 5-band tone control section features three semi-parametric EQ controls and high and low shelving controls. The EQ includes a footswitchable 9 – band Graphic EQ. To warm up the sound, the preamp DRIVE can push the Class A preamps to a slight warm growl. The BX1200 provides the ultimate in tone diversity.”

The full feature list includes:

Advanced Equalization – three EQ sections

Active Passive front panel input gain switch

5-band three sweep tone control section

9-band foot switch able graphic EQ

Single knob silent Optical compressor w/auto limiter

Internal crossover for bi-amp system

Preamp DRIVE and MASTER volume controls

XLR Direct out with Level, ground lift & pre-post preamp controls

Effects loop Switch able by front panel or FS22 footswitch

Tune output jack independent of mute switch.

High current Speakon connectors

RMS 8 ohm 275W/ch, 4 ohm 400W/ch, 2ohm 600W/ch

8 ohms Bridge 800W, 4 ohms Bridge 1200W

THD less than .03% at 90% output.

Freq. Resp.: 20-20k Hz

Dual speed fan

Active Passive input (-10DB)

Covered in black vinyl

5.7” H x 21.6” W x 12” D

Weight: 23 lbs.

The Carvin BX1200 ($1,395 MSRP) currently sells for $599.99 direct and is made in San Diego, California.

I just purchased a Carvin BX600, the younger brother of the BX1200. This thing is really great. If the 1200 is anything like this one, then you really can’t go wrong with it. Diversity is amazing, and the graphic EQ can almost be used as another channel, due to the extent to which it can form the sound. works with simple 2 button TRS footswitches.

The only peeve I could imagine having on this (if you use effects) is the lack of a blend control. There is an FX on/off switch, but a blend would have been the icing on the cake.